Laquered Tofu Triangles With Green Beans And Cashews Recipes

CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
• In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.

SZECHWAN TOFU TRIANGLES IN TRIPLE PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into triangles about 1/2 inch thick and about 2 1/2 inches on the long side.
• Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough to bounce a bread crumb, add the tofu pieces and fry them on each side for a few minutesÐ until lightly crisp. Remove the tofu and drain on paper towels. (You may have to fry the tofu in batches.).
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sherry, soy sauce, water, vinegar, honey or sugar, garlic, and dry mustard. Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat until just before the boiling point, then remove from heat Place the cornstarch in a small bowl and pour in a little of the hot liquid, whisking until it dissolves. Return this mixture to the saucepan, whisking as you pour. Set aside, leaving the whisk in there (youÕll need it again).
• Heat the wok or skillet again. Add the remaining tablespoon or two of oil and the onion, and cook the onion over high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the bell peppers, salt, and black and red pepper to taste, and cook for only 1 to 2 minutes longer. Gently stir in the tofu triangles.
• Whisk the sauce (from step 3) to recombine, and quickly pour it into the wok. Stir and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and everything is coated. Toss in the scallions at the very end, and serve hot, over rice.